Kribensis(Pelvicachromis pulcher)

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Kribensis or Pelvicachromis pulcher
are of
the family Cichlidae
more
commonly referred to as cichlids. They are native to the waters of West
Africa, primarily found in Nigeria. They can be found in anywhere from
free flowing to brakish water. Kribensis are also referred to as dwarf
African cichlids, purple cichlids, and kribs an abbreviation of their
species name.

Kribs are very
popular among freshwater aquarists because of their almost saltwater
quality coloration.

Unlike most
African cichlids, kribs have a temperament conducive to
community living. They will adapt better to a community tank if given
plenty of plants, rocks and hollow aquarium decorations to hide in.

Kribs
thrive
in soft to medium hard water with a pH level between
6.5-7.0 and a temperature range of 75-82°. They are a medium
sized
fish
reaching three to four inches in length as adults and have an average
life spa of five years.

Kribensis
are
omnivores. They eat worms, insects, small crustaceans
and plants in their natural habitat. In captivity they fare just fine
on common variety tropical fish flakes.

Distiguishing
males from females is easy. The males are larger than
the females. Unlike most tropical fish, it is the female who has the
more vibrant color palette.

Breeding
Kribensis

Feeding
them a diet high
in protein such as brine shrimp, tubifex
or bloodworms will help induce the spawning cycle. Privacy is essential
to spawning. Kribs will seek out caves or hollow aquarium decor to
spawn in.

The eggs will be deposited on the roof of their mating chamber.
Spawning is complete when the male leave the spawning chamber.
Sometimes males will become aggressive toward the female after spawning
takes place. If this happens the male should be removed from the tank.
If it does not he may be left with the female.

The female will stay in the chamber until the eggs hatch. This will
occur in 36-48 hours. It is not uncommon for both adults to guard over
the eggs until they hatch.

In 3-4 days the fry will be free swimming. Both parents will
demonstrate parental instincts toward their newly hatched offspring.
They will herd the brood around the tank keeping a watchful eye over
them. There are rare occasions when adult kribs have been reported to
eat the fry once they are free swimming. This is not common. You can
play it safe by removing the adults if you choose.

A report issued by Barlow in the year 2000 stated that fry raised
in an acidic environment will be mostly male. A neutral or slightly
alkaline content will result in a heavier female population.

Free swimming fry can be fed liquid fry food available at most fish
stores. A suitable alternative to store bought food is powdered eggs.
Add it sparingly to avoid fouling the water. Fry are small. They
don’t
eat much.